[Scene] Maggey and Gumshoe in: Nurse Maggey to the Rescue!
Alternate Ending: ((p-please don't spill scorching hot soup on my lap, pal D:)) [[...... D: ]]
Gumshoe: *curled up in his ragged sleeping bag, looking much like a poor caterpillar in a low-budget cocoon, Gumshoe coughs once, twice, three times. He groggily moans, his face uncomfortably warm from a fever and twists and turns in the confines of the cheap fabric. He hasn't eaten anything since the day before and he could really use a helping hand around now.
Gumshoe: Maggey is the first person he thinks of...and though his thought process is a bit foggy, he manages to stick his hand out through a hole in the bag and grab his cell phone from the floor beside him. He dials the number from memory and waits nervously as it rings*
Maggey: *Maggey eyes her phone wearily as it rings, and more specifically, the number showing on the screen. Before it can reach its final ring, she sighs, and answers it with a grimace.* ... Hello?
Gumshoe: Haaaah- *right on cue, Gumshoe lets out a huge sneeze* CHOOO! *he sniffs and quickly wipes his nose on a crumpled up tissue he’d earlier tossed closeby* H-hey, Maggey! It's me.
Maggey: *Winces at the sound of him sneezing into the phone, before curling her legs up beneath her on the couch.* Oh, ah... hi, sir. It doesn't sound like you've gotten any better... Are you alright?
Gumshoe: *groggily* I think I have a fever, pal. And my body's aching all over. *after a long pause* Would be nice to have someone taking care of me...y'know?
Maggey: *He might not be able to SEE her frown, but it's filtered through pretty well into her tone regardless,* It sounds like you have the flu, sir. Have you tried calling... *Pauses- girlfriend might be going a bit too far, with how awkward things got before over it* ... anyone else yet, sir? I don't want to step on any toes.
Gumshoe: *rasps* W-what? *whether it's because of the cold muddying his hearing or just that he's completely oblivious--or perhaps a bit of both, Gumshoe doesn't quite understand* No, I've only called you, pal. You said you had some extra Alka-Seltzer left over, right...?
Maggey: *Worries at her bottom lip- that wasn't exactly what she was looking to hear.* Oh, well, yeah... I did offer you that. Um, have you been able to keep anything down, sir? I can pick up some Gatorade for you, too, if you'd like.
Gumshoe: *his tone brightens though his voice is still rather nasally* Really?! You'd do that for me, pal? *sniffles* To tell ya the truth, I haven't eaten anything since yesterday.
Maggey: W-What..!? *Forgets her discomfort, at least momentarily* That's not good, sir..! I might have some, um... *Glances towards her kitchen* I think I have some soup and crackers, too! I'll bring those for you, too.
Gumshoe: *scratches the back of his head, though the tight quarters of his sleeping bag make it somewhat difficult* Aw, you're the best, Maggey. Don't know what I'd do without you.
Maggey: It's no problem. I'll be over soon, detective, sir. *She hangs up, still frowning slightly before picking herself up off the couch. As it turns out, there isn't any soup in the cupboard... but she as good as promised them, so off to the store she'll be going first..!*
Maggey: *True to her word, Maggey gets to Gumshoe's house before too long, a plastic bag full of a variety of things in one hand as she knocks hesitantly at the front door.* It's... um, me, sir..!
Gumshoe: *pokes his head from out of his sleeping bag at the sound of the knock. His body's aching and he's shivering from the chills, but he manages to unzip the bag, drape it over his head, and wrap it around his body like an over sized blanket. He shuffles over to the door and opens it. Boy, is Maggey a sight for sore eyes!* Hey, that was quick, pal! Glad you didn't get lost or anything.
Maggey: O-Oh! *Blinks and nearly jumps as Gumshoe comes into view with his ratty old sleeping bag, causing her glasses to slip down the bridge of her nose.* Um, no, I didn't have any problems getting here... *Pushes the frames back up, a tiny frown tugging at her lips.* I... brought a lot of stuff for you, though!
Gumshoe: *enthusiastically* Gee, thanks, pal! *quickly side steps so she can come in* Uh, sorry it's not very big, or clean...but gotta make do, especially with my salary, y'know?
Maggey: *Shuffles forward, holding the bag in both of her hands now. She can't help but glance about curiously, but she doesn't wander very far in without him.* It's... very homey..! Um... You don't mind me poking around in the kitchen, do you? You... really should go lay down, sir.
Gumshoe: 'Course not, make yourself at home, pal! *hovers around for awhile, still cloaked in his sleeping bag* I would help ya out, but I'm getting a little woozy just standing around...I think I really should. *with that he plops back onto the floor and rolls around until he finds a comfortable spot*
Maggey: ...... *Blinks down at him, and for the first time, she really looks around the apartment, adjusting her glasses once more. And... the lack of any bed... or mattress, or... bedding of any other kind than the sleeping bag.* S-So... how long have you been living here for, s-sir..?
Maggey: *She crosses over to the tiny kitchenette in the corner, setting the bag down onto the side of the stove for lack of... any counter space at all*
Gumshoe: *a sweaty face appears from out of one end of the sleeping bag* Been living here since I moved to the city and became a cop, pal. It's plenty of space for a humble guy like me...really! *pauses to cough* Would be nice to have a working washing machine for a change…but guess we can't have it all!
Maggey: Y...Yessir... *Busies herself with digging through an overhead cupboard for a pan to warm up the soup in, hiding her grimace. She finds one, miraculously, along with a semi-clean looking cup.* I wasn't sure what kind you would like best, so I hope you don't mind the yellow flavor, sir.
Maggey: *Moves the bag onto the floor, as she gets one of the stove burners going. When the soup is on, she pokes back around to Gumshoe, pausing before kneeling down next to him- a fizzy glass of Gatorade in her hand.* C... Can you sit up?
Gumshoe: *in the meantime has been drifting off, but is woken once more by Maggey's voice--which really isn't unpleasant at all. Blinks his eyes open* Yeah, I think so. *slowly, carefully sits up, a wave of dizziness coming over him. He stares down at the fizzy glass in her hand* W-why's it all bubbly like that, pal?
Maggey: Oh, well... That's what it's supposed to do, sir. It'll help settle your stomach... not that you've been eating anything, I guess, but it'll help. *Offers it to him again, gently, before reaching out to press the back of her hand against his forehead.*
Maggey: Y-You're burning up, sir..! Oh jeez, here, um, drink up, please..!
Gumshoe: *belatedly flinches at her touch, not really used to any kind of physical contact from the opposite sex* Oh, okay, pal. If you say so. *takes the cup and downs it a manner of seconds. His eyes widen at the strange sensation and he lets out a small burp* Kinda feels fizzy in my belly.
Maggey: *She nearly flinches herself when Gumshoe does, and she takes the cup back from him sheepishly.* Y-Yes, sir, that's... good. I'll get you some more to drink, but, try to sip it this time- okay?
Gumshoe: *scratches the back of his head sheepishly* Oh, okay, pal. *chuckles* You're really good at this "taking care of sick people" business. You do it a lot, pal?
Maggey: Not exactly... *She manages a small smile, as she returns to the stove.* But my mom always took really good care of me when I got sick- so I guess I get it from her?
Maggey: *Gives the soup a quick stir, as the sides have already began to simmer* You really worried me though, sir. I was surprised you hadn't called.. y'know, anyone sooner.
Gumshoe: *cocks his head, puzzled* You mean like Mr. Edgeworth? *attempts to laugh but his effort soon turns in to a wet cough. Finally, he recovers* I don't think he'd appreciate that much.
Maggey: *Laughs too, despite herself* Mr. Edgeworth? Oh, no, I wasn't talking about him. *Satisfied that the soup is warmed through, she shuts off the burner, and pulls down a bowl to pour it into. She totters back to Gumshoe, carefully holding the bowl, cup, and a box of crackers in the crook of her arm.* I-I don't know where you keep the spoons so...
Gumshoe: *grins at the delicious looking soup...it probably smells really great to, if not for his congested nose* Spoons? Oh I might have one laying around here some place. *he sticks an arm out and rummages through a cardboard box filled with all sorts of unorganized junk an arm's length away* Aha! *he soon emerges with a plastic spoon, who knows how long it's been in there but at least it looks unused*
Maggey: *Wobbles as she kneels, and for a second, the soup looks dangerously close to spilling over...
Maggey: ...but she breathes a sigh of relief as her knees touch down, allowing her to set everything down without incident.* Haha, I guess I haven't lost my touch as a waitress! *Smiles wide, before sitting back, wrapping her arms around her knees* Do... you need anything else, sir?
Gumshoe: *for a split second, his eyes bulge when he anticipates the scorching hot soup to land in his lap. When Maggey successfully sets the soup down, he breathes a sigh of relief and hopes she didn't notice. He grins wide* No, this is perfect, pal. Boy, do I owe you a big one! *with the spoon in one hand, he takes the bowl in the other and dives in. It doesn't seem to bother him that the soup is very hot because the expression on his face is total bliss*
Maggey: *Thankfully she doesn't notice- instead, she's busy gawking at how quickly the detective could tuck into the soup..!* T... There's a couple more cans, sir. For when you get hungry later. *She manages, adjusting her glasses* But after you eat, you should really just try and get some rest again...
Gumshoe: *with a happy sigh places the empty bowl back on the floor and grabs a handful of crackers to munch on* That really hit the spot! I promise to pay ya back double when I get my next paycheck, pal! *doesn't seem to mind the crumbs from the crackers falling into his sleeping bag.
Gumshoe: *somewhat disappointed* Yeah, you're probably right...They're probably missing me down at headquarters just as we speak. And I don't want you to have to stay here too long and catch the cold, either!
Maggey: *Waves her hands quickly,* Oh, no sir, you don't have to worry about paying me back. It's the least I can do.
Maggey: *The disappointed expression on his face is enough to make her frown again though, and she glances off to the side before speaking.* I'm still surprised you called me first though, sir. I hope it doesn't get you into any trouble.
Gumshoe: *lies back down, his mouth full of crackers* Why would you get into any trouble, pal?
Maggey: Not me sir, you. You know- with um... who we talked about before? *Gives him what she considers to be a pretty pointed look* I'm not going to make any more assumptions because it's... not really my business, but still..!
Gumshoe: *stares up at blankly before he painfully slooowly pieces the clues together. Someone we talked about before...that Maggey Misunderstood...that she thinks would get me in trouble...? EUREKA* Y-you mean, Ms. Andrews, pal?? I thought we cleared this up!
Gumshoe: *sweats profusely, though the fever isn't really the cause this time* There's no reason why I would call her instead of you...
Maggey: *She looks downright petulant then, with her arms still folded around her knees- and whether it's because she doesn't believe him, or that she's embarrassed for reading the situation wrong entirely, it isn't clear.* O-Oh. Well... L-Like I said, you don't have to act like I'd be so angry, sir..! I was just looking out for you...
Gumshoe: S-sorry, pal. I didn't mean to upset you or anything! *shoots straight up, which in turn makes him feel faint and causes him to slump over*
Maggey: Aa! *Jolts, and reaches out to steady the man with her hands on his arm* D-Detective Gumshoe! I'm sorry! Y-You really aren't well... I shouldn't have even mentioned it!
Gumshoe: Huh, wha-- *obviously a little disoriented he places an arm on her shoulder to steady himself. When the room stops spinning he realizes their close proximity and quickly pushes himself away* Er, sorry, pal! Didn't mean to... *mumbles something incoherent as the dizzy spell returns*
Maggey: *If she's put off by the how he pushes away, it too doesn't show save for a slight widening of her eyes as she keeps a steady hand on him* I-I didn't get that last bit, sir... Here, just... lay back down? You really need to sleep... I'll make sure to put some more medicine over here for you- for when you wake back up. Okay?
Gumshoe: *As he's set back down he grabs for Maggey's hand and squeezes it tight in his large sweaty palm. He mumbles something about super steak lunches and arresting tea pots before completely going down for the count*
Maggey: *Goes stock-still as her hand is wrapped up tight, and for a few beats she remains that way. When his grip doesn't immediately loosen, she slowly relaxes, and lets out a small sigh. A few minutes wouldn't hurt. And it wasn't like she had other plans tonight either.
Maggey: As she looks around the quiet, empty apartment, she makes a mental note to invite the man over for a real dinner at her place. With silverware. And... maybe to call her parents about getting that extra futon in the guest room, to boot...*
Gumshoe: *curled up in his ragged sleeping bag, looking much like a poor caterpillar in a low-budget cocoon, Gumshoe coughs once, twice, three times. He groggily moans, his face uncomfortably warm from a fever and twists and turns in the confines of the cheap fabric. He hasn't eaten anything since the day before and he could really use a helping hand around now.
Gumshoe: Maggey is the first person he thinks of...and though his thought process is a bit foggy, he manages to stick his hand out through a hole in the bag and grab his cell phone from the floor beside him. He dials the number from memory and waits nervously as it rings*
Maggey: *Maggey eyes her phone wearily as it rings, and more specifically, the number showing on the screen. Before it can reach its final ring, she sighs, and answers it with a grimace.* ... Hello?
Gumshoe: Haaaah- *right on cue, Gumshoe lets out a huge sneeze* CHOOO! *he sniffs and quickly wipes his nose on a crumpled up tissue he’d earlier tossed closeby* H-hey, Maggey! It's me.
Maggey: *Winces at the sound of him sneezing into the phone, before curling her legs up beneath her on the couch.* Oh, ah... hi, sir. It doesn't sound like you've gotten any better... Are you alright?
Gumshoe: *groggily* I think I have a fever, pal. And my body's aching all over. *after a long pause* Would be nice to have someone taking care of me...y'know?
Maggey: *He might not be able to SEE her frown, but it's filtered through pretty well into her tone regardless,* It sounds like you have the flu, sir. Have you tried calling... *Pauses- girlfriend might be going a bit too far, with how awkward things got before over it* ... anyone else yet, sir? I don't want to step on any toes.
Gumshoe: *rasps* W-what? *whether it's because of the cold muddying his hearing or just that he's completely oblivious--or perhaps a bit of both, Gumshoe doesn't quite understand* No, I've only called you, pal. You said you had some extra Alka-Seltzer left over, right...?
Maggey: *Worries at her bottom lip- that wasn't exactly what she was looking to hear.* Oh, well, yeah... I did offer you that. Um, have you been able to keep anything down, sir? I can pick up some Gatorade for you, too, if you'd like.
Gumshoe: *his tone brightens though his voice is still rather nasally* Really?! You'd do that for me, pal? *sniffles* To tell ya the truth, I haven't eaten anything since yesterday.
Maggey: W-What..!? *Forgets her discomfort, at least momentarily* That's not good, sir..! I might have some, um... *Glances towards her kitchen* I think I have some soup and crackers, too! I'll bring those for you, too.
Gumshoe: *scratches the back of his head, though the tight quarters of his sleeping bag make it somewhat difficult* Aw, you're the best, Maggey. Don't know what I'd do without you.
Maggey: It's no problem. I'll be over soon, detective, sir. *She hangs up, still frowning slightly before picking herself up off the couch. As it turns out, there isn't any soup in the cupboard... but she as good as promised them, so off to the store she'll be going first..!*
Maggey: *True to her word, Maggey gets to Gumshoe's house before too long, a plastic bag full of a variety of things in one hand as she knocks hesitantly at the front door.* It's... um, me, sir..!
Gumshoe: *pokes his head from out of his sleeping bag at the sound of the knock. His body's aching and he's shivering from the chills, but he manages to unzip the bag, drape it over his head, and wrap it around his body like an over sized blanket. He shuffles over to the door and opens it. Boy, is Maggey a sight for sore eyes!* Hey, that was quick, pal! Glad you didn't get lost or anything.
Maggey: O-Oh! *Blinks and nearly jumps as Gumshoe comes into view with his ratty old sleeping bag, causing her glasses to slip down the bridge of her nose.* Um, no, I didn't have any problems getting here... *Pushes the frames back up, a tiny frown tugging at her lips.* I... brought a lot of stuff for you, though!
Gumshoe: *enthusiastically* Gee, thanks, pal! *quickly side steps so she can come in* Uh, sorry it's not very big, or clean...but gotta make do, especially with my salary, y'know?
Maggey: *Shuffles forward, holding the bag in both of her hands now. She can't help but glance about curiously, but she doesn't wander very far in without him.* It's... very homey..! Um... You don't mind me poking around in the kitchen, do you? You... really should go lay down, sir.
Gumshoe: 'Course not, make yourself at home, pal! *hovers around for awhile, still cloaked in his sleeping bag* I would help ya out, but I'm getting a little woozy just standing around...I think I really should. *with that he plops back onto the floor and rolls around until he finds a comfortable spot*
Maggey: ...... *Blinks down at him, and for the first time, she really looks around the apartment, adjusting her glasses once more. And... the lack of any bed... or mattress, or... bedding of any other kind than the sleeping bag.* S-So... how long have you been living here for, s-sir..?
Maggey: *She crosses over to the tiny kitchenette in the corner, setting the bag down onto the side of the stove for lack of... any counter space at all*
Gumshoe: *a sweaty face appears from out of one end of the sleeping bag* Been living here since I moved to the city and became a cop, pal. It's plenty of space for a humble guy like me...really! *pauses to cough* Would be nice to have a working washing machine for a change…but guess we can't have it all!
Maggey: Y...Yessir... *Busies herself with digging through an overhead cupboard for a pan to warm up the soup in, hiding her grimace. She finds one, miraculously, along with a semi-clean looking cup.* I wasn't sure what kind you would like best, so I hope you don't mind the yellow flavor, sir.
Maggey: *Moves the bag onto the floor, as she gets one of the stove burners going. When the soup is on, she pokes back around to Gumshoe, pausing before kneeling down next to him- a fizzy glass of Gatorade in her hand.* C... Can you sit up?
Gumshoe: *in the meantime has been drifting off, but is woken once more by Maggey's voice--which really isn't unpleasant at all. Blinks his eyes open* Yeah, I think so. *slowly, carefully sits up, a wave of dizziness coming over him. He stares down at the fizzy glass in her hand* W-why's it all bubbly like that, pal?
Maggey: Oh, well... That's what it's supposed to do, sir. It'll help settle your stomach... not that you've been eating anything, I guess, but it'll help. *Offers it to him again, gently, before reaching out to press the back of her hand against his forehead.*
Maggey: Y-You're burning up, sir..! Oh jeez, here, um, drink up, please..!
Gumshoe: *belatedly flinches at her touch, not really used to any kind of physical contact from the opposite sex* Oh, okay, pal. If you say so. *takes the cup and downs it a manner of seconds. His eyes widen at the strange sensation and he lets out a small burp* Kinda feels fizzy in my belly.
Maggey: *She nearly flinches herself when Gumshoe does, and she takes the cup back from him sheepishly.* Y-Yes, sir, that's... good. I'll get you some more to drink, but, try to sip it this time- okay?
Gumshoe: *scratches the back of his head sheepishly* Oh, okay, pal. *chuckles* You're really good at this "taking care of sick people" business. You do it a lot, pal?
Maggey: Not exactly... *She manages a small smile, as she returns to the stove.* But my mom always took really good care of me when I got sick- so I guess I get it from her?
Maggey: *Gives the soup a quick stir, as the sides have already began to simmer* You really worried me though, sir. I was surprised you hadn't called.. y'know, anyone sooner.
Gumshoe: *cocks his head, puzzled* You mean like Mr. Edgeworth? *attempts to laugh but his effort soon turns in to a wet cough. Finally, he recovers* I don't think he'd appreciate that much.
Maggey: *Laughs too, despite herself* Mr. Edgeworth? Oh, no, I wasn't talking about him. *Satisfied that the soup is warmed through, she shuts off the burner, and pulls down a bowl to pour it into. She totters back to Gumshoe, carefully holding the bowl, cup, and a box of crackers in the crook of her arm.* I-I don't know where you keep the spoons so...
Gumshoe: *grins at the delicious looking soup...it probably smells really great to, if not for his congested nose* Spoons? Oh I might have one laying around here some place. *he sticks an arm out and rummages through a cardboard box filled with all sorts of unorganized junk an arm's length away* Aha! *he soon emerges with a plastic spoon, who knows how long it's been in there but at least it looks unused*
Maggey: *Wobbles as she kneels, and for a second, the soup looks dangerously close to spilling over...
Maggey: ...but she breathes a sigh of relief as her knees touch down, allowing her to set everything down without incident.* Haha, I guess I haven't lost my touch as a waitress! *Smiles wide, before sitting back, wrapping her arms around her knees* Do... you need anything else, sir?
Gumshoe: *for a split second, his eyes bulge when he anticipates the scorching hot soup to land in his lap. When Maggey successfully sets the soup down, he breathes a sigh of relief and hopes she didn't notice. He grins wide* No, this is perfect, pal. Boy, do I owe you a big one! *with the spoon in one hand, he takes the bowl in the other and dives in. It doesn't seem to bother him that the soup is very hot because the expression on his face is total bliss*
Maggey: *Thankfully she doesn't notice- instead, she's busy gawking at how quickly the detective could tuck into the soup..!* T... There's a couple more cans, sir. For when you get hungry later. *She manages, adjusting her glasses* But after you eat, you should really just try and get some rest again...
Gumshoe: *with a happy sigh places the empty bowl back on the floor and grabs a handful of crackers to munch on* That really hit the spot! I promise to pay ya back double when I get my next paycheck, pal! *doesn't seem to mind the crumbs from the crackers falling into his sleeping bag.
Gumshoe: *somewhat disappointed* Yeah, you're probably right...They're probably missing me down at headquarters just as we speak. And I don't want you to have to stay here too long and catch the cold, either!
Maggey: *Waves her hands quickly,* Oh, no sir, you don't have to worry about paying me back. It's the least I can do.
Maggey: *The disappointed expression on his face is enough to make her frown again though, and she glances off to the side before speaking.* I'm still surprised you called me first though, sir. I hope it doesn't get you into any trouble.
Gumshoe: *lies back down, his mouth full of crackers* Why would you get into any trouble, pal?
Maggey: Not me sir, you. You know- with um... who we talked about before? *Gives him what she considers to be a pretty pointed look* I'm not going to make any more assumptions because it's... not really my business, but still..!
Gumshoe: *stares up at blankly before he painfully slooowly pieces the clues together. Someone we talked about before...that Maggey Misunderstood...that she thinks would get me in trouble...? EUREKA* Y-you mean, Ms. Andrews, pal?? I thought we cleared this up!
Gumshoe: *sweats profusely, though the fever isn't really the cause this time* There's no reason why I would call her instead of you...
Maggey: *She looks downright petulant then, with her arms still folded around her knees- and whether it's because she doesn't believe him, or that she's embarrassed for reading the situation wrong entirely, it isn't clear.* O-Oh. Well... L-Like I said, you don't have to act like I'd be so angry, sir..! I was just looking out for you...
Gumshoe: S-sorry, pal. I didn't mean to upset you or anything! *shoots straight up, which in turn makes him feel faint and causes him to slump over*
Maggey: Aa! *Jolts, and reaches out to steady the man with her hands on his arm* D-Detective Gumshoe! I'm sorry! Y-You really aren't well... I shouldn't have even mentioned it!
Gumshoe: Huh, wha-- *obviously a little disoriented he places an arm on her shoulder to steady himself. When the room stops spinning he realizes their close proximity and quickly pushes himself away* Er, sorry, pal! Didn't mean to... *mumbles something incoherent as the dizzy spell returns*
Maggey: *If she's put off by the how he pushes away, it too doesn't show save for a slight widening of her eyes as she keeps a steady hand on him* I-I didn't get that last bit, sir... Here, just... lay back down? You really need to sleep... I'll make sure to put some more medicine over here for you- for when you wake back up. Okay?
Gumshoe: *As he's set back down he grabs for Maggey's hand and squeezes it tight in his large sweaty palm. He mumbles something about super steak lunches and arresting tea pots before completely going down for the count*
Maggey: *Goes stock-still as her hand is wrapped up tight, and for a few beats she remains that way. When his grip doesn't immediately loosen, she slowly relaxes, and lets out a small sigh. A few minutes wouldn't hurt. And it wasn't like she had other plans tonight either.
Maggey: As she looks around the quiet, empty apartment, she makes a mental note to invite the man over for a real dinner at her place. With silverware. And... maybe to call her parents about getting that extra futon in the guest room, to boot...*